Khalid: I am a family-oriented person

Ismail Rukuba Ahalu, popularly known as Khalid, is one of the Big Brother Naija (BBN) season seven housemates. He is a graphic artist, model and entrepreneur.

Khalid was nominated on day nine alongside Phyna, Amaka, Christy O and Cyph. They were the first set of roommates to receive nominations. In this interview with IJEOMA THOMAS-ODIA, the evicted housemate speaks on his personality, relationship with Daniella and his plans going forward.

You were evicted quite early. What would you have done differently to stay longer in the house?
WE are young and we are into one another, although the perception has already been set. I am trying to let people know that was not what happened. I would definitely have put more energy into the tasks in as much as it is a game of chances; one has to be overly prepared.

Before going into the house, you said you were not going to enter any relationship. How will you describe your relationship with Daniella?
How else do you describe a relationship? She is my girlfriend, I really care about her and it is something I see going far.

What were the highlights for you in the house?
I had so many highlights. I enjoyed my time and talks with Daniella. In the first, week we were all for why we were there, sharing each other’s philosophies, ideologies and beliefs. The tasks were amazing. Though strenuous, we always pull through. We also found the opportunity to get to know one another.

About your relationship with Daniella, people would like to know what happened under the duvet and the advice you gave to Daniella about her intake of alcohol.
I feel like people are focusing on the wrong thing, although that is what the show likes to hit on.

On the alcohol part, I was just looking out for her. As much as I don’t take alcohol, I wouldn’t want to see someone whom I care about lose control because of the decision they make.

On what happened under the duvet, nothing happened there, I have been saying that and I am the kind of person that doesn’t like repeating myself on certain things.

People will always believe what they want to believe if they are looking for reasons to believe in some things. If the video was complete, people would actually have understood where I am coming from. I have seen the video and I have seen how controversial it might seem to people who believed something actually happened. Daniella and I have agreed that we would not go beyond certain things.

Why did you decide to be a part of Big Brother?
I have always wanted to sell myself. I have wanted to show people the stuff I am made of and one can never know from what one can make it big. I am a family-oriented person.

In case Danielle has a longer time to stay in the house, how would you feel if you see her hitting it off with another person?
It is definitely going to hurt me and I will feel bad.

Did the disagreement in the house affect you?
One thing I learnt from the house is how to understand people more. At some point, I came to understand that given that we are young and intelligent and there are emotions everywhere, we need time to understand each other. We were listening to our energy instead of our words. It definitely made me stronger and I now understand how to deal with people based on their understanding.

Apart from your personal goals and career, what else should we expect from you?
I always like to give to people, so I will need to collaborate with them to do more. I like the idea of having an orphanage home personally. I don’t know how to go about it but with the right team and collaborations, one can actually bring up one.

Lagos is the entertainment capital of Africa. Do you have plans of relocating to Lagos?
I am actually considering that because I am quite comfortable in Abuja, but comfort kills success and innovation. I want to dive into that fear and move to Lagos, God willing.

Now that you are out of the house, who, among the remaining housemates, do you think will win the grand prize?
I will definitely be rooting for Daniella. Everyone in the house is amazing. I would say Chomzy, although I don’t know her personally, she has a competitive spirit. Another person is Eloswag, he has so much energy. Bryann is very intelligent and he is so passionate about what he is doing, but the best man or woman should win.